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“Asymmetrical warfare is a euphemism for terrorism, just like collateral damage is a euphemism for killing innocent civilians.” – Alan Dershowitz, Esq.
A EUPHEMISM – is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. The Greek euphemizein means ‘to use auspicious words.’ Popular euphemisms include: being between jobs (unemployed), vertically challenged (short), temporary negative cash flow (broke), pre-owned vehicle (used car), passed away (died), expecting (pregnant), over the hill (old), and casualty of war (victim). Paul Johnson said, “Euphemism is a human device to conceal the horrors of reality.”
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We do a lot of glossing over, massaging, and spinning these days. Why is it so difficult for us to ‘speak the truth in love’ and grow up? (Eph. 4:15) In Ephesians 4:25, Paul emphasizes the new character we are to live in Christ, “Therefore putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth to his neighbor,” for we are members one of another.” Fanciful language does not take away the blow of harsh realities any more than political correctness removes an underlying insult. In Psalm 15:1-3, King David wrote, “Who may worship in Your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on Your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking truth with sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.” There is a discernible connection between truth and worship. Jesus said the Father is seeking worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
King Solomon said, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Prov.15:2) “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (NIV) What a truth-teller says may be hard to hear, but it’s often trustworthy. Something unfortunate is happening when we can no longer trust what anyone says. American Musician Bobbie Gentry said, “Euphemism is a euphemism for lying.” It’s just a nicer way to say it. Paul instructs us as Christ-followers, “Do not lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and its wicked deeds.” (Col. 3:9, NLT)
